Police: 3 Charged In Connection With Vandalism Of Delaware Mosque

NEWARK, Del., (CBS) – Delaware State Police say three teens have been arrested and charged in connection with the vandalism of an Islamic mosque in Newark.

Troopers responded Friday, October 25, to a criminal mischief complaint at the Islamic Society of Delaware at the unit block of Salem Church Road.

Sometime overnight, police say a vinyl fence was broken into several pieces, a wooden sign knocked down, and a LED message sign hit with an unknown object, breaking the sign.

On Monday, police say two concerned citizens came forward with information. As a result of that information, Troopers and FBI Agents took three 16-year-old Newark males into custody this evening.

“After a thorough and comprehensive investigation by the Delaware State Police and the FBI, there was no conclusive evidence to show that this act of vandalism was directed, targeted, or focused towards the Islamic Society of Delaware because of its religious affiliation or intended to intimidate the Islamic community,” said Sergeant Paul G. Shavack, Director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. “We have determined that it was a random act of vandalism, and have no evidence at this time to support classification as a hate crime.”

Troopers charged each with one count of criminal mischief over $5,000, and conspiracy second degree. One defendant was released on $4,000 unsecured bond. And other defendant was released on $2,000 unsecured bond, and the third defendant was committed on $2,000 secured bond to a juvenile facility.